Patea Strike Settlement

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 7, 20 March 1911, Page 14

Patea Strike Settlement

« "'Sold Again." (By "Seamaw.") Ever as of old, when baffled in open fight with the common people, the master class took to svibterfuge and trickery. Wires were set in motion. So-called Leaders of Labour came from distant ports. The Wellington Wharf Labourers, who by refusing to handle scab cargo, had brought things to a crisis, were dubious. The rank and file at the distant ports they felt sure were with them, but these men did not approve of the action of the Patea strikers to begin with. How then could they favour them in conference with the masters? Other "friends" of Labour came forward and offered to act as umpire between the robbers and the robbed. It was even whispered quietly that in order to induce the strikers to accept their services, one or two of these voluntary umpires had as much as hinted tha,t whichever one of tnem was selected as Limpire he Avould- —well, not to put too fine a point upon it— the strikers' case was as good as won. So once again the workers were taken in an ambush ! The umpire was choseis —mutually. Evidence was called. The umpire has given his decision. The Patea Waterside Workers are back at work. What have they gained? Nothing. Every point has been lost. Nay, concessions offered before the precious umpire was called in have been withheld, and in addition, whereas hitherto they could cease work at any time it they considered the conditions unjust now they stand shackled —bound foi three years to continue toiling or be branded as criminals liable to be fined and gaoled if they dare rebel against the goad. When will the workers learn that umpires who a-rp ,aoct3ptable to the Robbers can be no friends of the Robbed ?